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Controlled heterogeneous nucleation of melt-textured YBa2Cu3O(6+x) by addition of Al2O3 particles

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5362735

The reaction between alumina and yttrium barium cuprate subjected to a melt-texturing heat-treatment was studied. Microstructural examination of quenched, partially transformed samples revealed that at approx. 1050 deg C (which is above the incongruent melting temperature of YBa2Cu3O6+x), a reaction layer forms at the alumina interface. The reaction products were identified as Ba6y2A14015 and a copper-rich liquid phase. On cooling below the peritectic temperature, aligned domains of YBa2Cu3O6+x (123) were observed to preferentially nucleate at the reaction layer. For samples of melt-textured 123 deliberately seeded with alumina particles, it was found that nucleation and growth of 123 occurred exclusively at the particles. A reaction sequence for the formation of the Ba6y2A14015 is put forward, together with a discussion of the possible nucleation mechanisms for the 123. Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide(YBCO), Peritectic, Melt-texturing, Nucleation, Barium Yttrium Aluminum Oxide (Ba6y2A14015).

Research Organization:
Lehigh Univ., Bethlehem, PA (United States)
OSTI ID:
5362735
Report Number(s):
AD-A-274605/5/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English